Peterborough’s 2016 Point-in-Time Count of Homelessness

On March 22nd, 2016, 46 volunteers and over 10 community partners came together to conduct the very first Point-in-Time (PiT) Count in Peterborough. By being a designated community of the Government of Canada’s Homelessness Partnering Strategy (HPS), Peterborough received funding to conduct, and take part, in the first nationally coordinated PiT Count.

A PiT Count is a strategy to help determine the extent and nature of homelessness in a community on a given night, or at a single point in time. It aims to enumerate individuals who are staying in homeless shelters, temporary housing, or unsheltered locations (example on the streets, in parks), and provides a snapshot of homelessness in a community.

To prevent and reduce homelessness, it is important to understand who is being affected. In addition to providing a number of homeless individuals, a PiT Count also collects information on the characteristics of the homeless population (example: age, gender, Aboriginal identity). This information can be used by the community to gain a better understanding of the local context, support local planning, identify community priorities, and assist with service mapping.

From coast to coast, homelessness is a significant concern across Canada. It is estimated that over 35,000 Canadians experience homelessness on any given night (1). Like many other Canadian communities, Peterborough’s housing and homelessness service system has both strengths and challenges.

Publication Date: 
2016
Location: 
Peterborough, Ontario, Canada